Minutes

Items
No. Item

1.

Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)

Minutes:

2        AFGHAN RELOCATION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY (ARAP) - The Directors: Children and Community Resilience, Adults and Community Wellbeing and Governance and Partnerships submitted a joint report updating the Cabinet Members on the ARAP and seeking approval for the council to support the extension of the local offer previously agreed in June 2021.

 

In June 2021 the council agreed to be part of the Afghan Locally Employed Staff (LES) Scheme (minute 1 refers). Commitment was made to relocate and house three families in North Lincolnshire. This request was based on a fair share allocation across Yorkshire and Humber based on population and capacity. Families arriving were enrolled in the newly developed Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and were eligible to apply for five years ‘Leave to Enter the UK’ with a pathway for resettlement thereafter.

 

Following the NATO military forces withdrawal from Afghanistan, a process of emergency evacuation took place in August 2021. The Home Office confirmed that approximately 15,000 people had been evacuated and brought to the UK. The majority were residing in temporary accommodation.

 

A collaborative, cross government approach was being taken to support the effective integration of all those LES who chose to come to the UK including engagement with councils and each of the 11 Strategic Migration Partnerships across the UK.  

 

Councils received a letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence and the Home Office seeking support in the accelerated relocation of LES, who had been supporting the UK in Afghanistan.  North Lincolnshire Council responded and agreed to house the three families requested. As a result of the increase in numbers evacuated a further request to extend the council’s pledge had been received.

 

From a North Lincolnshire perspective, the newly suggested combined allocation, including the existing commitment, based on the fair share was 28 people. This was likely to constitute six households in total including the three already agreed.

 

Resolved – That the proposal for the council to extend the scheme and increase the number of relocations, as set out in the report, be approved.